Another bucket list item for me was to experience Dubai’s most iconic hotel ~ Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and I was not disappointed! I could live here without complaint for the rest of my life ~ a 2 storey suite, a private luxury cabana, fabulous afternoon tea, delicious food, a Rolls Royce and I don’t have enough words to describe the phenomenal staff and service.
Post Update & A Word of Caution
It seems that a complimentary cabana day is NOT a complimentary cabana day. When I checked out there was an extra charge for the food & beverage service at the cabana. I indicated that the cabana day was complimentary with my booking and I should not have that charge. The lady at the reception desk said they would get back to me. Well … long story short they have charged me almost 600 AED (it’s already on my credit card) and said that I did not have anything in writing that the F&B was included.
On my email confirmation, it says the cabana day is complimentary but it does not state that the F&B is included OR excluded. On their website for the luxury cabana, it states that there is a 600 AED F&B credit.
When I was escorted to my cabana by a member of staff I was told that there was a 600 AED F&B credit. I did not get that in writing and assumed that staff were telling me the truth.
I asked the Front Desk to have this escalated but they didn’t respond to my email.
The Assistant Leading Quality Manager responded to my feedback survey but has not responded back with an update.
I have disputed the charge with American Express.
I had the Burj Al Arab on my bucket list for so long and I’m more upset at the unprofessionalism and lack of integrity by the Burj Al Arab than I am about the money. I feel very let down. Of all the places I’ve stayed in 100 countries, this is the first time I’ve been ripped off and it’s a strange feeling.
I’m just one person and will not impact their bottom line. Overall, I had a fabulous time, but they are not as shiny as they appear on the surface.
Bucket List Item!
Burj Al Arab
Burj means “Tower” and Burj Al Arab means “The Tower of Arabs”. The outside is shaped like an Arabian dhow sail and easily recognizable. An architecture wonder, the Burj Al Arab is referred to as the world’s only 7 star hotel and “the most luxurious hotel in the world”. Now I know the hotel ranking system tops out at 5 stars, but this is a fun piece of trivia.
Inside the sail-like facade, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab plays host to a collection of extraordinary suites and restaurants, including Michelin-starred Al Muntaha, an award-winning spa, and breathtaking beach club, Sal.
~ Burj Al Arab
Arrival & Check In
I arrived at my home away from home for 3 whole nights. The Burj Al Arab is located on a man-made island 280 metres off the shore and is connected to the mainland via a bridge.
Burj Al Arab’s prominent location across the curving bridge was perfectly calculated to ensure that the shadow from the building never falls upon the shoreline.
The Burj Al Arab is a private hotel and is only open to guests staying at the hotel. A security gate is located before the bridge and there was absolutely no access to just go and look around. Folks without a room reservation can get around this by making reservations for dinner or afternoon tea or booking the hotel tour.
The lobby is one of the tallest in the world at 590 feet with bold colours and approximately 1,790 square metres of 24-carat gold leaf was used to embellish the hotel’s interiors.
Marhaba is Arabic for “welcome”. When I arrived I was offered cold towels, dates and Arabic coffee.
One Bedroom Suite
Our suites extend over two exquisitely detailed floors, connected by grand staircases. Inspiring and intimate in equal measure.
~ Burj Al Arab
I booked the One Bedroom Suite (the base offering for a room) and was assigned Room 2102 and Iryna was my butler. She was fabulous and ensured I always had chocolate and Coke Zero. Apparently if you ask, your butler will unpack your bags and run your bath. I have never been looked after so well travelling.
Upon arrival, I was greeted with an early birthday cake, fresh fruit & chocolate.
Floorplans for the One Bedroom Suite coming in at 1830 square feet.
Each night I was left an evening snack and had my chocolate stash refilled. I did not go hungry at all and by the last night I couldn’t eat anything else.
The room is amazing!
Musafir
Musafir is the Burj Al Arab’s camel and guests can enjoy a walk around the hotel grounds. Musafir means “Traveller” in Arabic. My understanding is Musafir was a real camel that the children used to ride on around the hotel and now there is only a statue out front.
Luxury Cabana
My booking included a complimentary day in a Luxury Cabana on the Terrace. The Terrace consists of the SAL restaurant, freshwater pool, salt water infinity pool, beach and cabana space that stretches 100 metres out into the sea and has 4 jacuzzis, 126 beach sunbeds and 24 luxury day beds.
Travelling for me is to experience different cultures and customs, meet locals, learn as much history as I can about a location and find unique adventures. Lounging about by the pool or beach every day is not my go to travel experience, BUT … I enjoyed my day on the Terrace a lot! Great spot for a girls trip!
Food & Drinks
SAL
Mediterranean ~ A la Carte ~ Casual Chic
Unwind at our elegant beach club, seemingly floating over the glittering Gulf
As part of my complimentary booking, I had 600 AED to use with SAL. Additionally, these gentlemen brought around juice and also surprised me with an early birthday treat!
Al Muntaha
French ~ A la Carte ~ Smart Elegant
Michelin-starred French & Italian cuisine by Chef Saverio Sbaragli
Sahn Eddar
International ~ A la Carte ~ Relaxed Casual
Live entertainment and panoramic views of Dubai’s coastline set the stage for an elegant taste of Les Desserts
A Gold Cappuccino topped with 24-carat gold leaf is available ~ I tried it!
Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara
Italian ~ A la Carte ~ Smart Elegant
A rendition of Capri’s two Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Andrea Migliaccio
This beauty is Georgina!
Bab Al Yam
International ~ Open Buffet ~ Casual
A serene open kitchen serving delicious Middle Eastern and European fusion
Gilt
International ~ Drinks & Light Bites ~ Smart Elegant
Ascend for artful mixology and small plates set to shimmering views of Dubai
Al Iwan
Arabic ~ Open Buffet ~ Smart Casual
An ode to time-honoured Arabic delicacies in opulent surroundings
The breakfast buffet is included in the room rate and held each morning in Al Iwan.
Les Desserts
French ~ A la Carte ~ Relaxed Casual
A world of exquisite pastries crafted by Chef Tom Coll
Skyview Lounge & Afternoon Tea
European ~ Drinks & Light Bites ~ Smart Elegant
Hypnotic views of the cityscape inspire exquisite mixology in an inviting atmosphere
Afternoon Tea is held daily in the Skyview Lounge.
- Champagne
- Amuse-Bouche
- Savories
- Pâtisseries
I ate it all. Was there any doubt?
Talise Spa
Located on the 18th floor 150 metres above the Arabian Gulf, complimentary spa facilities include indoor swimming pools, a sauna, herbal steam room and cold plunge. I chose the ladies pool and was the only one there (other than the lifeguard!). Very relaxing!
In addition to the spa, there is a fitness room, a yoga studio and library.
There is a mixed gym and a ladies gym with wonderful views and a lot of equipment.
The Helipad
“The World’s Most Famous” helipad is 212 meters above sea level, a circle shape and juts out from the sail shape of the building. In 2005, Roger Federer and Andre Agassi played an exhibition match, in 2013 a Formula 1 racing car was airlifted onto the helipad for David Coulthard to do donuts and in 2023, Polish pilot Lukasz Czepiela made aviation history when he became the first person to land a plane on the helipad.
Complimentary Items
The Burj Al Arab is well known for the complimentary items guests are provided:
- Hermès products
- Slippers
- Beach Bag
- Flip Flops
Riding in a Rolls Royce
Sadly, it was time to depart and I had my first (and probably only) ride in a Rolls Royce Phantom to the airport. A very nice ride!
Experiencing the Burj Al Arab is an experience that should be done at least for one night.
Happy Travels!
A Journey Off The Beaten Path
Jackie is “Mom” to one amazing son, an IT professional and an obsessed traveller. She spends her time reading, golfing at Ladies League and implementing software projects. Jackie has travelled to 7 continents, 5 oceans and 103 countries and she is always planning the next destination and adventure!